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Pipe bomb suspect built devices in his van, sources say

Sayoc lived in a van covered in pro-Trump images.
Image: Cesar Sayoc's van is seen in Boca Raton, Florida
Cesar Sayoc's van is seen in Boca Raton, Florida, on Oct. 18, 2018 in this picture obtained from social media.Ed Kennedy / via Reuters
By Jonathan Dienst and Dennis Romero

Multiple senior law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation into the pipe bombs allegedly built by Cesar Sayoc tell NBC News they believe the devices were constructed in his van.

As NBC News reported Friday, the Florida man lived in his vehicle — it appears to be a 1990s Dodge Ram Van — which was covered in pro-Trump images and right-wing propaganda.

Law enforcement officials continue to believe that Sayoc, 56, acted alone, but the investigation is ongoing. On Friday, the FBI said they had him in custody.

The van federal agents are investigating in connection with package bombs that were sent to high-profile critics of President Donald Trump is transported on a flatbed tow truck
The van federal agents are investigating in connection with package bombs that were sent to high-profile critics of President Donald Trump is transported on a flatbed tow truck on Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 in Miramar, Florida.Carline Jean / South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP

Sayoc is accused of sending 14 bombs through the U.S. Mail to former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, ex-Vice President Biden, Democratic Party backer George Soros, actor Robert De Niro and others.

Most of the targets, including CNN, are also frequent targets of presidential tongue lashings on twitter and at political rallies.

Committee to Protect Journalists deputy executive director Robert Mahoney called on Trump to tone down his criticism.

"Journalists across the country feel unsafe because of the constant hostility and belittling of their role in our democracy by the head of state," he said in a statement. "It needs to stop."

The packages turned up between Monday and Friday in New York, California and Washington. A fingerprint from a package sent to U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) led authorities to Sayoc, FBI Director Christopher Wray said at a press conference on Friday.

Multiple senior law enforcement sources told NBC News that Sayoc denies being behind the package bomb campaign.

Sayoc, described by relative as a former strip club dancer and bouncer, has a record of past run-ins with the law, including over issues such as domestic violence, possession of steroids, battery and theft, according to court documents.

Sayoc faces multiple federal allegations, including making "threats against former presidents," in connection with the package bomb campaign. If convicted, the counts could bring 48 years behind bars.

Sayoc's first appearance in federal court was scheduled for Monday in Miami.

Jonathan Dienst

Jonathan Dienst is chief justice contributor for NBC News and chief investigative reporter for WNBC-TV in New York.

Dennis Romero

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.